Former health system executive brings deep expertise in quality improvement and patient-centered care
ATLANTA, GA — Mercy Care today announced the appointment of Dr. Rick Gitomer, MD, MBA, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Gitomer is a senior physician executive with decades of experience advancing quality improvement, population health, and system‑wide clinical transformation across academic medical centers, large health systems, and virtual care organizations.
A board‑certified internist, Dr. Gitomer has held senior leadership roles spanning outpatient, inpatient, and virtual care environments. His career includes leading large, multi‑site provider groups; building quality and safety infrastructure; and advancing population health and value‑based care strategies at scale.
“As more Atlantans experience gaps in health coverage, the demand for Mercy Care’s services will continue to grow,” said Mercy Care CEO Kathryn Lawler. “Dr. Gitomer has spent his career advancing clinical excellence within large, highly resourced health systems. He now brings that experience to Mercy Care at a moment when it is most needed—helping us strengthen care delivery while staying deeply grounded in our mission to serve patients facing some of the greatest barriers to health.”
Much of Dr. Gitomer’s leadership experience is rooted in Atlanta, including long‑term roles with Emory Healthcare, where he helped lead primary care, quality, and clinically integrated network initiatives. His work has focused on strengthening care delivery models, improving performance, and supporting coordinated, patient‑centered care.
Dr. Gitomer earned his MD from Emory University School of Medicine and an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. His combination of clinical leadership and operational experience supports Mercy Care’s ongoing commitment to high‑quality, coordinated, and compassionate care.